Black Goldendoodle: Info, Pictures, Genetics, Facts & More

Goldendoodles often appear in striking golden colors that reflect their sunny personality, but did you know that there are also black Goldendoodles? They may be dark in color, but they are just as sweet and fascinating.

The black Goldendoodle is truly a sight to behold. Its striking solid black coat makes them appealing to dog lovers, and it’s easy to see why.

To learn more about how Goldendoodles get their black fur, as well as all the other interesting stuff about them, continue reading.

What Is a Black Goldendoodle?

A black Goldendoodle is a black-coated dog that results from crossing a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The elegant-looking black coat on this hybrid dog is carried over from its Poodle lineage. Aside from their color, black Goldendoodles share most of their traits with other Goldendoodle variants.

It’s easy to confuse a black Goldendoodle with a black Labradoodle. To be clear, it’s worth noting that a black Labradoodle is produced by mixing a Labrador Retriever and Poodle breed carrying the gene for black coats. 

This Doodle breed may also have white markings on its chest and face, while a black Goldendoodle usually has a solid color.

It’s normally tricky to predict the actual appearance of a black Goldendoodle, but you can easily spot this black beauty in a sea of other dogs. Their eye-catching color, curly coats, and friendly faces are hard to miss.

Are Black Goldendoodles Rare?

Black Goldendoodles are not rare dogs. In general, black and other darker colors are genetically dominant. 

There is also a higher chance of producing a black Goldendoodle puppy when breeding second and third-generation Goldendoodles.

This is especially true when a black Goldendoodle is crossed with a black Poodle. Nearly all puppies in the resulting litter will be black. These puppies are called the first-generation Goldendoodle or F1B black Goldendoodles. 

Though apricot, red, and other light-colored Goldendoodles are more advertised, black Goldendoodles are also popular. Usually, those who want a unique dog chooses black Goldendoodles over lighter-colored ones.

Black Goldendoodle Appearance

Black Goldendoodles inherit their physical traits from their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. They have round, broad skulls, long muzzles, and dark, oval-shaped eyes that are usually brown.

This designer breed is also known for its elongated, well-built, and muscular body. A black Goldendoodle will likely have a deep chest, elegant stance, and a thick, feathered tail, thanks to its Golden Retriever side of the family.

Because of their Poodle genes, their signature solid black coat can be noticeably curly. Their curly coat might appear as loose barrel curls like what we typically see in a Toy, Mini, or Standard Poodle.

While rare, a black Goldendoodle can have a straight coat passed on by its Golden Retriever parent. However, regardless if they have wavy coats, straight coats, or other coat types, these dogs are very easy to maintain.

Size-wise, black Goldendoodles come in four varieties due to their Poodle parent. These sizes include the standard, medium, miniature, and toy. 

For reference, a standard Goldendoodle stands between 17 and 24 inches tall and weighs around 50 to 90 pounds as an adult. This is considered the largest black Goldendoodle size.

Here is a video showcasing two fully grown standard black Goldendoodles:

Meanwhile, medium black Goldendoodles grow around 17 to 21 inches tall and measure between 36 and 50 pounds.

On the other hand, mini black Goldendoodles stand at 14 to 17 inches at the withers when mature and weigh anywhere between 26 and 35 pounds. 

As for the toy version, it only measures up to 14 inches tall and typically weighs around 25 pounds or less.

The full-grown size of your dog will ultimately depend on the size of the parent dogs. However, regardless of their size, you can expect these dogs to be fully grown between 12 and 16 months.

Black Goldendoodle Color Genetics

The black Goldendoodle coat comes from the Poodle gene since Golden Retrievers don’t inherently display this color. 

Eumelanin is one of the two pigment types in dogs that creates black coats, eyes, noses, and paw pads. The K locus, in particular, controls the dominant black color in black Goldendoodles.

A puppy with only one copy of the dominant black K^B or K gene will automatically have a solid black color. 

The same goes for puppies with one copy of the K^B gene and one copy of the recessive k^y or k gene (K^B k^y). 

Meanwhile, those that carry two copies of the K^B gene will pass this trait to all of their offspring.

Other dogs may also exhibit bronzing, making the black coat appear red or dark brown when exposed to sunlight. This mainly applies to curly-coated breeds like black Goldendoodles. However, it may also be caused by dietary factors.

Do Black Goldendoodle Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

It’s very common for owners to notice changes in their black Goldendoodle’s coat color as it grows. However, the dog doesn’t actually change into another color but only into a lighter shade.

As early as one year old, a black Goldendoodle can develop grey hair on some body parts. These areas include the dog’s back of the neck and along its spine towards the tail. Over time, it can expand to the paws and ears.

While you might find it unusual or even saddening for a young black Goldendoodle to get gray hair, this is a very natural occurrence. The key is to accept that every coat color is unique and beautiful in its own way!

Black Goldendoodle Temperament and Personality

In general, black Goldendoodles are fun-loving and warm-hearted dogs that make great family pets. They are the perfect blend of the Golden Retriever’s kind and friendly disposition and the Poodle’s high alertness and activeness.

However, because of their people-oriented nature, they may develop separation anxiety when left for long periods. Having another dog or pet in the house can lessen this risk.

As natural people-pleasers, they are pretty enjoyable dogs to train. Since they are also intelligent dogs, you will have no problem teaching them basic obedience training and maybe even a few tricks.

Black Goldendoodles are not only the best house companions but also great partners for outdoor adventure. 

You can easily take them on long walks, morning runs, and fun hikes. They can also unleash their Golden Retriever side by swimming in pools and lakes.

Overall, they are pleasant dogs that can be trusted around kids and remain loyal to the family until their senior years. Some can even become effective therapy dogs.

Black Goldendoodle Lifespan and Health Issues

Black Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs with a pretty long lifespan. They can live for around 10 to 15 years. However, they are still predisposed to have some health issues common to their parent breeds. 

Listed below are a few of the most common health concerns black Goldendoodles can face in their lifetime:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a skeletal condition that affects the hip joint, causing it to become loose. Hip dysplasia can cause pain and discomfort while walking. In most cases, it can develop into more severe conditions such as degenerative joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis (OA).
• Sebaceous Adenitis: This is an inflammatory skin condition that causes hair thinning and hair loss in black Goldendoodles. Affected dogs usually develop dry scales that can lead to skin infections. The true cause of sebaceous adenitis hasn’t been established, but it is believed to be connected to an auto-immune response of the body.
• Addison’s Disease: Also called hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s disease is characterized by decreased cortisol and aldosterone production. These important hormones are produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland. When a dog has low levels of these hormones, regular body functions and fluids are not regulated.
• Eye Diseases: Black Doodles can also develop eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) causes the photoreceptor cells in the eyes to deteriorate. Cataracts result in opaque vision, while glaucoma leads to pain and eye discharge.

While most of the health issues above can be managed or treated, others cause permanent damage. As always, proper diet, exercise, and regular vet visits are things you should watch closely to keep your dog in tip-top shape.

How Much Does a Black Goldendoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The black coat is one of the most sought-after Goldendoodle features, typically costing between $1,500 and $2,000 per puppy. The final price tag will also depend on the parent Golden Retriever and Poodle bloodline. 

On the other hand, you can choose to adopt a black Goldendoodle from a rescue and pay around $300 to $500 for the adoption fee.

Aside from the price of acquiring a black Goldendoodle, here are some initial expenses to keep in mind:

The initial cost can be a bit daunting, especially for first-time owners. However, the monthly expenses are usually more manageable.

Places to Find Black Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

When looking for black Goldendoodle puppies, you should avoid puppy mills and steer away from backyard breeders. These sources are a no-go if you want a truly healthy dog. Instead, you should only consider reputable sources.

If you’re looking for a reliable source of black Goldendoodle puppies, check out the list below:

• Eaglecross Kennels – This breeder focuses on producing healthy black Goldendoodle puppies with sound temperaments that are well-suited for families. They provide a two-year health warranty on all of the purchased puppies. They also offer free yearly vaccine shots.
• Crockett Doodles – This breeder produces Goldendoodles of all colors, including black. Aside from Goldendoodles, they also offer other breeds like Labradoodles and Aussiedoodles. Successful dog stories from satisfied owners can be read on their website.
• Keepsake Goldendoodles – This is another black Goldendoodle breeder that produces pups in all sizes. They have been operating for over 30 years in Norton, Ohio, and you can visit their “Upcoming Litter” page for announcements.
• Fox Creek Farm Goldendoodles – This breeder has a long history of providing families with well-adjusted, healthy Goldendoodle puppies, all raised under the Puppy Culture program, for the best start in life. Browse the available Goldendoodles on their website. They are located in West Virginia but can be delivered by car to many surrounding states, including North Carolina.

Meanwhile, if you think adoption is a better idea, below are some rescue organizations where you can find black Goldendoodles:

• NorCal Poodle Rescue – This organization based in North Carolina is dedicated to rehabilitating Poodle and Poodle mixes, such as the black Goldendoodle. Operating since 1985, this rescue is considered the third-largest Poodle rescue in the United States.
• Doodle Dandy Rescue – This is a Texas-based rescue committed to fostering and providing medical assistance to rescued Goldendoodles from high-kill situations. They also assist families struggling financially and have no choice but to surrender their beloved pets.
• International Doodle Owners Group Rescue (IDOG) – Since 2006, this non-profit organization has been rescuing Goldendoodles and other Doodle breeds. Their adoption fee ranges from $100 to $750, depending on the dog. Their list of available dogs can be found on their Petfinder page.

For more breeder and rescue options, you can join Facebook groups or check out Reddit threads about this color variety. This can increase your chances of getting approved and taking home your dream pet!

Dog Name Ideas for Black Goldendoodle Puppies

One of the joys of bringing home a new dog is getting to name it. But with the countless choices out there, it can be tough to choose. This is especially true for a special dog such as the black Goldendoodle. 

To make it easier for you, we have listed some awesome name inspirations for a black Goldendoodle puppy.

Here are some name ideas for male black Goldendoodles:

• Tux
• Bear
• Pepper
• Midnight
• Cola
• Batman
• Jet
• Stormy
• Shadow
• Salem

Meanwhile, here are some name ideas for a female black Goldendoodle:

• Nova
• Olive
• Arya
• Kisses
• Hershey
• Astra
• Eclipse
• Luna
• Indigo
• Lyra

Aside from these names, you can take inspiration from your favorite movie character, cartoon, candy bar, or even favorite song. You just need to make sure that your dog’s name is simple and easy to recognize, and you’re set!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color?

Some of the rarest Goldendoodle colors can be observed in dogs produced from breeding F2 generations. These colors include gray, blue, and silver.

Aside from solid colors, phantom, merle, and parti Goldendoodles are also considered quite hard to find.

Do Black Goldendoodles Turn Grey or Silver?

Yes, most black Goldendoodles change color as they age. They are often born with a jet-black color that lightens to a gray or silver shade. The degree of coat lightening varies from dog to dog and depends on an array of factors.

Can Goldendoodles Be Black and White?

Black and white Goldendoodles can exist by mixing a Golden Retriever with a parti Poodle. There are instances where the white coloring is more dominant than black. You can never guarantee a 50/50 mix of black and white.

Are Black Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Black Goldendoodles have non-shedding coats that are considered almost hypoallergenic. 

Multi-gen Goldendoodles such as F1B, F1BB, F2B, and F2BB are closer to being hypoallergenic than F1 or F2 generations since they have more Poodle blood in them. This means that they are the best choice for allergy sufferers.

Do Black Goldendoodles Shed?

A black Goldendoodle has a non-shedding coat that only requires weekly brushing. They may shed minimally, but you won’t notice hair on your clothes, furniture, and around the house. Regular grooming can reduce the shedding even more.

Final Thoughts

The black Goldendoodle is more than its beautiful coat. On top of their amazing color, hypoallergenic coat type, and loving disposition, these dogs are loyal and trainable pets that suit most families. 

If you are looking for a dog that brings together intelligence from its Poodle side and the sunny attitude from its Goldendoodle lineage, then the black Goldendoodle is your match. 

As long as you get this pooch from a reputable breeder or rescue, you’ll have no problem with this breed.

Will you be bringing home this black-colored pup soon? Let us know your thoughts about the black Goldendoodle in the comments!